Examining where the Celtics currently stand in the chase for some NBA hardware

The NBA has rebranded some postseason trophies and named them after former players. The Celtics are the defending Eastern Conference champions and they own the new Bob Cousy Trophy. The NBA announced six new awards on Tuesday.

The NBA announced new trophies. Celtics players are among the most likely to be the first to receive the new hardware.

Malcolm Brogdon is sixth in scoring among players with at least 15 appearances off the bench, averaging 14.3 points per game. He's also shooting 50.4 percent from the field, 48. 4 percent beyond the 3-point arc, and 87.1 percent at the free-throw line. Brogson is third in the current odds at PointsBet at +400.

Jayson Tatum is the MVP favorite despite his recent poor performances. Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo are still on his heels. The Celtics are on a trip on the West Coast.

Marcus Smart is the defending Defensive Player of the Year. Boston Celtics are 10th in defensive efficiency allowing 111.2 points per 100 possessions. Smart has to work twice as hard to sway voters. Robert Williams III could make a case if he helps improve Boston's defense.

The Celtics are second in the NBA in clutch-game winning percentage. They have won 8 of the 11 games that trigger the criteria. Derrick White averages the most clutch points per game (3.4) on the team but has only played in five of those 11. Tatum and Brown have been solid in crunch-time situations but neither has made the game-winner.

Joe Mazzulla is a heavy favorite to win the award on Points Bet at +125. Willie Green, Will Hardy and Mike Brown are the closest competition. Mazulla has helped the Celtics recover from the Ime Udoka scandal.